In the 2014 Best of Sonoma County awards, the readers of The Press Democrat picked their choices in dozens of categories for the very best of what Sonoma County has to offer.
For official rules on the contest, click here.
Questions about the contest? Send an email to info@pressdemocrat.com
Best equestrian trail:
(WINNER) Annadel State Park
Honorable Mention:
Shiloh Ranch Regional Park
Best dog park:
(WINNER) Doyle Community Park
Honorable Mention:
Rocky Memorial Dog Park
DeTurk Round Barn Park
Best bike path:
(WINNER) Annadel State Park
Honorable Mention:
Joe Rodota Trail
West County Regional Trail
Best golf course:
(WINNER) Bennett Valley Golf Course
Honorable Mention:
Windsor Golf Club
Fountaingrove Golf & Athletic Club
Best spa:
(WINNER) Ciao Bella Salon & Tans
Honorable Mention:
Allegro MedSpa
Morpheus Medical Aesthetics
Best place to go dancing:
(WINNER) Flamingo Conference Resort
Honorable Mention:
McNear's Mystic Theatre
La Rosa Tequileria & Grille
Monroe Hall
Best hike:
(WINNER) Annadel State Park
Honorable Mention:
Spring Lake Regional Park
Taylor Mountain Regional Park
Best summer camp:
(WINNER) Camp Wa-Tam
Honorable Mention:
Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Sonoma County
Kinder Kickz Soccer
Mt. Gilead Bible Camp
Best place to have a child's birthday party:
(WINNER) Snoopy's Home Ice
Honorable Mention:
Howarth Park
My Gym
Best high school sports coach:
(WINNER) Chris Ziemer, Sonoma Academy
Honorable Mention:
Tom Fitchie, Montgomery High
David Kimari, Tech High
Best playground:
(WINNER) Howarth Park
Honorable Mention:
Leghorns Park
Best yoga teacher:
(WINNER) Elias Gaitan, Bikram Yoga of Santa Rosa
Honorable Mention:
Anna Guhin, Three Dog Yoga
Shy Sayar, Yoga One
Best body art shop:
(WINNER) Aces Over Eights Tattoo
Honorable Mention:
Buddha's Palm Tattoo Gallery
Best personal trainer:
(WINNER) Lawrence Phillips (Coach LP) - Team LP Fitness
Honorable Mention:
Shelli Main - Team LP Fitness
Chris Alejos - EnviroFit
Best local live theater company:
(WINNER) 6th Street Playhouse
Honorable Mention:
Transcendence Theatre Company
Cinnabar Theater
Best place to listen to music:
(WINNER) Green Music Center
Honorable Mention:
Hopmonk Tavern - Sebastopol
McNear's Mystic Theatre
Best annual festival:
(WINNER) Apple Blossom Festival
Honorable Mention:
Butter and Eggs Days
Pinot on the River
Best fireworks:
(WINNER) Red, White and BOOM! - Santa Rosa
Honorable Mention:
Fireworks in Healdsburg
Fireworks in Petaluma
Best first date spot:
(WINNER) Armstrong Woods State Natural Reserve
Honorable Mention:
Willi's Wine Bar
Stark's Steak & Seafood
Monti's Rotisserie & Bar
LoCoco's Cucina Rustica
Flavor Bistro
Best art gallery:
(WINNER) Sebastopol Center for the Arts
Honorable Mention:
Tibetan Gallery & Studio
Graton Gallery
Aces Over Eights Tattoo's Jimmy Bruce, left, Jaime Burgess, Cody Holyoak, and Jake Yarnal take a selfie together after accepting the award for Best Body Art Shop during the Best of Sonoma County Awards at the Graton Resort and Casino in Rohnert Park, California, on September 30, 2014. (Alvin Jornada / For The Press Democrat)
Mamadou Diouf, left, Terri Stark, and Mark Stark of Stark's Steak & Seafood accept the award for Best Happy Hour during the Best of Sonoma County Awards at the Graton Resort and Casino in Rohnert Park, California, on September 30, 2014. (Alvin Jornada / For The Press Democrat)
Mark Stark, left, owner of Stark Reality Restaurants, Barry Friedman vice president of Friedman's Home Improvement, and Lawrence "LP" Phillips of Team LP Fitness attend the Best of Sonoma County Awards at the Graton Resort and Casino in Rohnert Park, California, on September 30, 2014. (Alvin Jornada / For The Press Democrat)
Best Barista Timmy Lodhi, left, of Flying Goat Coffee shakes hands with Bill Cordell owner of Superburger, winner of the Best Burger, while Anthony Duenas of John & Zeke's Bar looks on during the Best of Sonoma County Awards at the Graton Resort and Casino in Rohnert Park, California, on September 30, 2014. (Alvin Jornada / For The Press Democrat)
Fred King, left, Susan Hatch, and Julie Owen of King's Nursery attend the Best of Sonoma County Awards at the Graton Resort and Casino in Rohnert Park, California, on September 30, 2014. (Alvin Jornada / For The Press Democrat)
Sonoma County Farm Bureau's Steve Knudsen, left, Amanda Edgar, Raven Castro, and Taylor Pires attend the Best of Sonoma County Awards at the Graton Resort and Casino in Rohnert Park, California, on September 30, 2014. (Alvin Jornada / For The Press Democrat)
KRSH The Krush 95.9 Music Director Bill Bowker, left, Lavonna Bowker, Andre de Channes, Ken and Diane Wilson of Wilson Winery, and Debbie Morton of KRSH attend the Best of Sonoma County Awards at the Graton Resort and Casino in Rohnert Park, California, on September 30, 2014. (Alvin Jornada / For The Press Democrat)
Award presenter Kathy Exelby of Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital holds up one of her signs during the Best of Sonoma County Awards at the Graton Resort and Casino in Rohnert Park, California, on September 30, 2014. (Alvin Jornada / For The Press Democrat)
Sonoma Media Investments CEO Steve Falk raises a toast to the recipients of the Best of Sonoma County Awards 2014 at the Graton Resort and Casino in Rohnert Park, California, on September 30, 2014. (Alvin Jornada / For The Press Democrat)
A group from lululemon athletica, Michelle Johnson, left, Shannon Blyleven, and Alex Bolt with yoga instructor Elias Gaitan of Bikram Yoga of Santa Rosa and Janine Bjornson attend the Best of Sonoma County Awards at the Graton Resort and Casino in Rohnert Park, California, on September 30, 2014. (Alvin Jornada / For The Press Democrat)
Octavio Diaz, left, Stephan Passalaqua, Dr. Francisco Canales of Plastic Surgery Associates of Santa Rosa, and Pedro Diaz of El Farolito Restaurant attend the Best of Sonoma County Awards at the Graton Resort and Casino in Rohnert Park, California, on September 30, 2014. (Alvin Jornada / For The Press Democrat)
Fans of King's Nursery cheer as Fred King receives the award for Nursery during the Best of Sonoma County Awards at the Graton Resort and Casino in Rohnert Park, California, on September 30, 2014. (Alvin Jornada / For The Press Democrat)
Catherine Vignale, left, of Lagunitas IPA hands out bottles of beer on stage to fellow awardees after accepting the award for Best Local Beer during the Best of Sonoma County Awards at the Graton Resort and Casino in Rohnert Park, California, on September 30, 2014. (Alvin Jornada / For The Press Democrat)
The group from Redwood Credit Union give a thumbs-up for being awarded Best Credit Union during the Best of Sonoma County Awards at the Graton Resort and Casino in Rohnert Park, California, on September 30, 2014. (Alvin Jornada / For The Press Democrat)
Dan "The Handyman" Noar holds up his award for Best Handyman during the Best of Sonoma County Awards at the Graton Resort and Casino in Rohnert Park, California, on September 30, 2014. (Alvin Jornada / For The Press Democrat)
Octavio Diaz, left, Stephan Passalaqua, Dr. Francisco Canales of Plastic Surgery Associates of Santa Rosa, and Pedro Diaz of El Farolito Restaurant attend the Best of Sonoma County Awards at the Graton Resort and Casino in Rohnert Park, California, on September 30, 2014. (Alvin Jornada / For The Press Democrat)
Fans of King's Nursery cheer as Fred King receives the award for Nursery during the Best of Sonoma County Awards at the Graton Resort and Casino in Rohnert Park, California, on September 30, 2014. (Alvin Jornada / For The Press Democrat)
The group from Redwood Credit Union give a thumbs-up for being awarded Best Credit Union during the Best of Sonoma County Awards at the Graton Resort and Casino in Rohnert Park, California, on September 30, 2014. (Alvin Jornada / For The Press Democrat)
Catherine Vignale, left, of Lagunitas IPA hands out bottles of beer on stage to fellow awardees after accepting the award for Best Local Beer during the Best of Sonoma County Awards at the Graton Resort and Casino in Rohnert Park, California, on September 30, 2014. (Alvin Jornada / For The Press Democrat)
Michelle Johnson, left, Best Yoga Teacher Elias Gaitan, Alex Bolt, and Shannon Blyleven strike yoga poses after the Best of Sonoma County Awards at the Graton Resort and Casino in Rohnert Park, California, on September 30, 2014. (Alvin Jornada / For The Press Democrat)
Dan "The Handyman" Noar holds up his award for Best Handyman during the Best of Sonoma County Awards at the Graton Resort and Casino in Rohnert Park, California, on September 30, 2014. (Alvin Jornada / For The Press Democrat)
Pedro Diaz owner of El Farolito Restaurant pumps his fist after receiving the award for Best Mexican Restaurant during the Best of Sonoma County Awards at the Graton Resort and Casino in Rohnert Park, California, on September 30, 2014. (Alvin Jornada / For The Press Democrat)
The contingent from Social Advocates for Youth strike a pose after receiving the award for Best Local Non-Profit during the Best of Sonoma County Awards at the Graton Resort and Casino in Rohnert Park, California, on September 30, 2014. (Alvin Jornada / For The Press Democrat)
Ryan Shepherd, recreation coordinator for Camp Wa-Tam, accepts the award for Best Summer Camp during the Best of Sonoma County Awards at the Graton Resort and Casino in Rohnert Park, California, on September 30, 2014. (Alvin Jornada / For The Press Democrat)
Sonoma County Farm Bureau Executive Director Tim Tesconi, left, and President Tito Sasaki accept the Best Crab Feed award for the Farm Bureau's Great Sonoma Crab & Wine Fest during the Best of Sonoma County Awards at the Graton Resort and Casino in Rohnert Park, California, on September 30, 2014. (Alvin Jornada / For The Press Democrat)
Sonoma County Farm Bureau Executive Director Tim Tesconi, left, and President Tito Sasaki congratulate Carlo Galazzo, general manager of Inn at the Tides for being awarded Best Eats at the Coast during the Best of Sonoma County Awards at the Graton Resort and Casino in Rohnert Park, California, on September 30, 2014. (Alvin Jornada / For The Press Democrat)
California State Parks Superintendent Mike Lair and Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods Executive Director Michele Luna accept the Best First Date Spot award for Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Preserve during the Best of Sonoma County Awards at the Graton Resort and Casino in Rohnert Park, California, on September 30, 2014. (Alvin Jornada / For The Press Democrat)
The contingent from Team LP Fitness poses for a group photo after the Best of Sonoma County Awards at the Graton Resort and Casino in Rohnert Park, California, on September 30, 2014. (Alvin Jornada / For The Press Democrat)
City of Santa Rosa Recreation & Parks' John Bryant, right, stands with Jim Knego of Bennett Valley Golf Course, left, and Nanette Smejkal, director of Santa Rosa Parks and Recreation after accepting their awards during the Best of Sonoma County Awards at the Graton Resort and Casino in Rohnert Park, California, on September 30, 2014. (Alvin Jornada / For The Press Democrat)
Presenter Kathy Exelby, left, and the group from St. Joseph Health hold up their signs during the Best of Sonoma County Awards at the Graton Resort and Casino in Rohnert Park, California, on September 30, 2014. (Alvin Jornada / For The Press Democrat)
Cat Cvengros of Social Advocates for Youth greets Sonoma County Farm Bureau Executive Director Tim Tesconi during the Best of Sonoma County Awards at the Graton Resort and Casino in Rohnert Park, California, on September 30, 2014. (Alvin Jornada / For The Press Democrat)
Lawrence "LP" Phillips and Shelli Main of Team LP Fitness during the Best of Sonoma County Awards at the Graton Resort and Casino in Rohnert Park, California, on September 30, 2014. (Alvin Jornada / For The Press Democrat)
Cat Cvengros and Steve Worthen of Social Advocates for Youth pose for a photo during the Best of Sonoma County Awards at the Graton Resort and Casino in Rohnert Park, California, on September 30, 2014. (Alvin Jornada / For The Press Democrat)
Lagunitas IPA's Kevin Lynch gives a bottle of beer to presenter Kathy Exelby on stage during the Best of Sonoma County Awards at the Graton Resort and Casino in Rohnert Park, California, on September 30, 2014. (Alvin Jornada / For The Press Democrat)
Best Personal Trainer Lawrence "LP" Phillips, left, and Best High School Sports Coach Chris Ziemer during the Best of Sonoma County Awards at the Graton Resort and Casino in Rohnert Park, California, on September 30, 2014. (Alvin Jornada / For The Press Democrat)
Lagunitas IPA Senior Marketing Manager Catherine Vignale gives a bottle of beer to presenter Brad Calkins of Santa Rosa Convention & Visitor Bureau during the Best of Sonoma County Awards at the Graton Resort and Casino in Rohnert Park, California, on September 30, 2014. (Alvin Jornada / For The Press Democrat)
Audrey Laton, left, of Team LP Fitness talks with Julie Owen of King's Nursery during the Best of Sonoma County Awards at the Graton Resort and Casino in Rohnert Park, California, on September 30, 2014. (Alvin Jornada / For The Press Democrat)
Best of Sonoma County 2014 award recipients (from left): Best Place for Eyeglasses - Sonoma Eyeworks; Best Real Estate Agent - Peg and Jeremy King; Best Salon/Barbershop - Beauty Connection Plus; Best Shopping Experience Montgomery Village; Best Sports Medicine Physician - Todd W. Weitzenberg, MD; Best Veterinarian - Grant W. Patrick, DVM, during the Best of Sonoma County Awards at the Graton Resort and Casino in Rohnert Park, California, on September 30, 2014. (Alvin Jornada / For The Press Democrat)
Best of Sonoma County 2014 award recipients (from left): Best First Date Spot - Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve; Best High School Sports Coach - Chris Ziemer, Sonoma Academy; Best Hike - Annadel State Park; Best Local Live Theater Company - 6th Street Playhouse; Best Personal Trainer - Lawrence "LP" Phillips, Team LP Fitness; Best Place to Go Dancing - Flamingo Conference Resort & Spa; Best Place to Listen to Music - Green Music Center; Best Spa - Ciao Bella Salon & Tans; Best Yoga Teacher - Elias Gaitan, Bikram Yoga of Santa Rosa, during the Best of Sonoma County Awards at the Graton Resort and Casino in Rohnert Park, California, on September 30, 2014. (Alvin Jornada / For The Press Democrat)
Best of Sonoma County 2014 award recipients (from left): Best Local Non-Profit - Social Advocates for Youth; Best Picnic Spot - Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve; Best Place for Singles to Meet - Lagunitas Brewing Company; Best Place to Buy Local Produce - Andy's Produce Market; Best Radio Station - KRSH The Krush 95.9; Best Shop for the Perfect Gift - The Classic Duck; Best Wedding Photographer - Victoria Webb, Looking Glass Photography; Best Winery to Take Visitors to - Francis Ford Coppola Winery; Best Thrifting - Goodwill Stores, during the Best of Sonoma County Awards at the Graton Resort and Casino in Rohnert Park, California, on September 30, 2014. (Alvin Jornada / For The Press Democrat)
Montgomery Village's Megan Cox, left, and David Codding talk with The Classic Duck owner Lynette Boisvert during the Best of Sonoma County Awards at the Graton Resort and Casino in Rohnert Park, California, on September 30, 2014. (Alvin Jornada / For The Press Democrat)
Montgomery Village's Mike Edwards, left, Megan Cox, David Codding, The Classic Duck owner Lynette Boisvert, Melissa Williams and Cherie Granzotto attend the Best of Sonoma County Awards at the Graton Resort and Casino in Rohnert Park, California, on September 30, 2014. (Alvin Jornada / For The Press Democrat)
Best of Sonoma County 2014 award recipients (from left): Best Happy Hour - Stark's Steak & Seafood; Best Italian Restaurant - Lococo's Cucina Rustica; Best Local Beer - Lagunitas IPA; Best Local Zinfandel - Wilson Winery, during the Best of Sonoma County Awards at the Graton Resort and Casino in Rohnert Park, California, on September 30, 2014. (Alvin Jornada / For The Press Democrat)
Terri Stark, left, of Stark Reality Restaurants talks with David Codding and Melissa Williams of Montgomery Vilage during the Best of Sonoma County Awards at the Graton Resort and Casino in Rohnert Park, California, on September 30, 2014. (Alvin Jornada / For The Press Democrat)
Best of Sonoma County 2014 award recipients (from left): Best Antique Store - Whistlestop Antiques; Best Beach - Doran Beach; Best Bookstore - Copperfield's Books; Best Continuing Care Senior Facility - Spring Lake Village; Best Crab Feed - Great Sonoma Crab & Wine Fest, Sonoma County Farm Bureau; Best Eats at the Coast - The Tides Wharf, Inn at the Tides; Best Florist - Grohe Florist; Best Fundraising Event - The Human Race, during the Best of Sonoma County Awards at the Graton Resort and Casino in Rohnert Park, California, on September 30, 2014. (Alvin Jornada / For The Press Democrat)
Julie and Dan Noar of Dan the Handyman attend the Best of Sonoma County Awards at the Graton Resort and Casino in Rohnert Park, California, on September 30, 2014. (Alvin Jornada / For The Press Democrat)
Best of Sonoma County 2014 award recipients (from left): Best Mexican Restaurant - El Farolito, Healdsburg; Best Neighborhood Cafe - Chloe's French Cafe; Best Restaurant - Willi's Seafood & Raw Bar; Best Restaurant for a Romantic Meal - John Ash & Co.; Best Tasting Room - Chateau Diana Winery; Best Vegetarian Restaurant - East West Cafe, during the Best of Sonoma County Awards at the Graton Resort and Casino in Rohnert Park, California, on September 30, 2014. (Alvin Jornada / For The Press Democrat)
Volunteer Center of Sonoma County Human Race Coordinator Lisa Jack, left, Special Events Coordinator Alicia Alexander, Executive Director Cami Weaver, and Marketing & Resource Development Director Elaina Hunt attend the Best of Sonoma County Awards at the Graton Resort and Casino in Rohnert Park, California, on September 30, 2014. (Alvin Jornada / For The Press Democrat)
Best of Sonoma County 2014 award recipients (from left): Best Golf Course - Bennett Valley Golf Course; Best Dog Park - Doyle Community Park; Best Playground - Howarth Park; Best Summer Camp - Camp Wa-Tam; Best Annual Festival - Apple Blossom Festival; Best Art Gallery - Sebastopol Center for the Arts; Best Bike Path - Annadel State Park; Best Body Art Shop - Aces Over Eights Tattoo; Best Equestrian Trail - Annadel State Park; Best Fireworks - Red, White and BOOM! during the Best of Sonoma County Awards at the Graton Resort and Casino in Rohnert Park, California, on September 30, 2014. (Alvin Jornada / For The Press Democrat)
Best of Sonoma County 2014 award recipients (from left): Best Asian Restaurant - Sea Thai Bistro; Best Bakery - Costeaux French Bakery; Best Breakfast/Brunch - Hank's Creekside Restaurant; Best Barista - Timmy Lodhi, Flying Goat Coffee; Best Bar - John and Zeke's Bar; Best Burger - Superburger, during the Best of Sonoma County Awards at the Graton Resort and Casino in Rohnert Park, California, on September 30, 2014. (Alvin Jornada / For The Press Democrat)
Redwood Credit Union's Ron Felder, left, Mishel Kaufman, Todd Linderman, and Tony Hildesheim attend the Best of Sonoma County Awards at the Graton Resort and Casino in Rohnert Park, California, on September 30, 2014. (Alvin Jornada / For The Press Democrat)
Best of Sonoma County 2014 award recipients (from left): Best Furniture/Home Furnishings - Pedersen's Furniture; Best Handyman - Dan Noar, Dan the Handyman; Best Hardware/Home Improvement Store - Friedman's Home Improvement; Best Health Club - Airport Health Club; Best Jewelry Store - E.R. Sawyer Jewelers; Best Nursery - King's Nursery; Best Orthodontist - Drs. Cercone & Wear, SMILE Orthodontics, during the Best of Sonoma County Awards at the Graton Resort and Casino in Rohnert Park, California, on September 30, 2014. (Alvin Jornada / For The Press Democrat)
Best of Sonoma County 2014 award recipients (from left): Best Bank - Exchange Bank; Best Car Mechanic - Fincher's Auto Services; Best Clothing Store - Macy's; Best Cosmetic Surgeon - Heather Furnas, MD and Francisco Canales, MD, Plastic Surgery Associates of Santa Rosa; Best Credit Union - Redwood Credit Union; Best Doctor - Dr. James DeVore, during the Best of Sonoma County Awards at the Graton Resort and Casino in Rohnert Park, California, on September 30, 2014. (Alvin Jornada / For The Press Democrat)
(WINNER) Annadel State Park
Honorable Mention:
Shiloh Ranch Regional Park
Best dog park:
(WINNER) Doyle Community Park
Honorable Mention:
Rocky Memorial Dog Park
DeTurk Round Barn Park
Best bike path:
(WINNER) Annadel State Park
Honorable Mention:
Joe Rodota Trail
West County Regional Trail
Best golf course:
(WINNER) Bennett Valley Golf Course
Honorable Mention:
Windsor Golf Club
Fountaingrove Golf & Athletic Club
Best spa:
(WINNER) Ciao Bella Salon & Tans
Honorable Mention:
Allegro MedSpa
Morpheus Medical Aesthetics
Best place to go dancing:
(WINNER) Flamingo Conference Resort
Honorable Mention:
McNear's Mystic Theatre
La Rosa Tequileria & Grille
Monroe Hall
Best hike:
(WINNER) Annadel State Park
Honorable Mention:
Spring Lake Regional Park
Taylor Mountain Regional Park
Best summer camp:
(WINNER) Camp Wa-Tam
Honorable Mention:
Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Sonoma County
Kinder Kickz Soccer
Mt. Gilead Bible Camp
Best place to have a child's birthday party:
(WINNER) Snoopy's Home Ice
Honorable Mention:
Howarth Park
My Gym
Best high school sports coach:
(WINNER) Chris Ziemer, Sonoma Academy
Honorable Mention:
Tom Fitchie, Montgomery High
David Kimari, Tech High
Best playground:
(WINNER) Howarth Park
Honorable Mention:
Leghorns Park
Best yoga teacher:
(WINNER) Elias Gaitan, Bikram Yoga of Santa Rosa
Honorable Mention:
Anna Guhin, Three Dog Yoga
Shy Sayar, Yoga One
Best body art shop:
(WINNER) Aces Over Eights Tattoo
Honorable Mention:
Buddha's Palm Tattoo Gallery
Best personal trainer:
(WINNER) Lawrence Phillips (Coach LP) - Team LP Fitness
Honorable Mention:
Shelli Main - Team LP Fitness
Chris Alejos - EnviroFit
Best local live theater company:
(WINNER) 6th Street Playhouse
Honorable Mention:
Transcendence Theatre Company
Cinnabar Theater
Best place to listen to music:
(WINNER) Green Music Center
Honorable Mention:
Hopmonk Tavern - Sebastopol
McNear's Mystic Theatre
Best annual festival:
(WINNER) Apple Blossom Festival
Honorable Mention:
Butter and Eggs Days
Pinot on the River
Best fireworks:
(WINNER) Red, White and BOOM! - Santa Rosa
Honorable Mention:
Fireworks in Healdsburg
Fireworks in Petaluma
Best first date spot:
(WINNER) Armstrong Woods State Natural Reserve
Honorable Mention:
Willi's Wine Bar
Stark's Steak & Seafood
Monti's Rotisserie & Bar
LoCoco's Cucina Rustica
Flavor Bistro
Best art gallery:
(WINNER) Sebastopol Center for the Arts
Honorable Mention:
Tibetan Gallery & Studio
Graton Gallery
Best Of Sonoma County Awards Ceremony
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